ENDOMETRIOSIS AWARENESS

B.A.S.E. Foundation Jamaica

Endometriosis happens when tiny particles that are similar to the lining of the uterus, are found outside of the uterus. These particles behave similarly to the lining of the uterus (endometrium), which is how this disease got its name.

Every month the endometrium builds up with blood cells and other chemicals to prepare for pregnancy. When pregnancy doesn’t occur the endometrium sheds this blood and women have a period. A similar reaction takes place in these endometrial implants found in other areas of the body, but the blood and tissue shed have no way of leaving! This causes internal bleeding, adhesions and inflammation.

Endometriosis is a poorlyunderstood disease and is often mistakenly categorized as “painful cramps”. So here are 5 reasons we recognize Endometriosis in March:

1. Endometriosis is globally recognized as a chronic crippling disease that negatively impacts the health of our women, especially young women and adolescents

2. Endometriosis is one of the top 3 causes of infertility

3. Despite the use of medications, alternative therapy and surgery, there is no known cure for endometriosis

4. Endometriosis affects over 100,000 girls and women in Jamaica, sometimes leading to depression, compromising attendance at school and causing loss of productivity at work

5. There is a need to promote public awareness and understanding of this disease to enable understanding and empowerment of those who suffer from this disease

We encourage all Jamaicans to join in the efforts to increase awareness of this disease. For more information, visit us at basejamaica.com.